John McCarroll
Junior Member
In winter where we live the only sailing happens with iceboats and, since I don't yet have one (thinking of building a Cheapskate) then, the next best thing is to go alpine skiing in the Gatineau mountains. As a side trip, I had been reading about Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel in the city of Montreal. Montreal is a very old port connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the St. Lawrence River. The chapel was an interest because it is know as the Sailor's Church. Sailors since the earliest ships that landed in Montreal came to this church in thanks and in hopes of safe journeys. What is wonderful in this space is that some of these talented sailors carved replicas of their ships and presented them to the church as offerings to their well-being and future safety. The wise founders have kept these beautiful sailing ship models and have them hung from the ceiling (see photo) as a testament to the past and present of the times. You can see (photo 2) that beautiful sailing vessels still ply these waters and some of them make the grand crossing to the ancient world. Food for the sailors' imagination in the cold of January. As a side note, 2017 marks the sesquicentennial of our country. For those of you who have not been, Montreal is the place that best marks and celebrates the rich culture and history that is Canada- come for a visit! Warm regards, John